Cochlear function of guinea pigs with experimental chronic renal failure.

This study aimed to evaluate electrophysiologically the cochlear function of guinea pigs that underwent a five-sixths nephrectomy and, additionally, to explore the synergistic action between chronic renal failure (CRF) and noise. Cochlear potentials were recorded at 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively. Slight changes in compound action potential and cochlear microphonics were seen at 1 month postoperative, while moderate and profound changes were seen at 2 and 3 months. Endocochlear potential showed no significant reduction. The results indicate that CRF may be an etiologic factor for cochlear dysfunction and that the hair cells seem likely to be a main site of the lesion. One-month-postoperative animals were exposed to a broadband noise. In contrast to control animals, the test animals demonstrated no recovery from the decrease in compound action potential and cochlear microphonics that occurred immediately after noise exposure. This suggests a synergistic interaction between CRF and noise.